Heroin Mill Busted in Paterson as Authorities Battle "Agent of Death in Our Communities"

By FRED J. AUN

October 13, 2016 at 12:41 PM

Content Options

Marino Pimentel-TejadaCredits: NJ Attorney General's Office

Antoipis Pimentel-TejadaCredits: NJ Attorney General's Office

Manuel Garcia-TejadaCredits: NJ Attorney General's Office

Isamar BatistaCredits: NJ Attorney General's Office

Nuris Dominguez-LaraCredits: NJ Attorney General's Office

Robert GradyCredits: NJ Attorney General's Office

Yinsys Pimentel-TejadaCredits: NJ Attorney General's Office

PATERSON, N.J. - The discovery by police of a "heroin mill" in Paterson resulted in the indictment of six people, including five from the city, on several first-degree crimes that carry sentences of up to 20 years in prison, authorities said today.

State Attorney General Christopher Porrino, in announcing the indictments, said the charges are the result of a State Police investigation. He said the indicted individuals are accused of operating a heroin distribution facility from which they planned to distribute large amounts of the drug.

The grand jury charging the following defendants with second-degree conspiracy, first-degree maintaining a heroin production facility, first-degree possession of heroin with intent to distribute and other related offenses:

Porrino said another Paterson man, Robert Grady, 40, was charged with second-degree possession of heroin with intent to distribute and possession of methamphetamine.

The attorney general said Marino Pimentel-Tejada and Grady were arrested on June 1 following a probe by the State Police Trafficking North Bureau "targeting the alleged distribution of large quantities of heroin in the Paterson area by a ring allegedly controlled by Marino Pimentel-Tejada."

Porrino said Marino Pimentel-Tejada and Grady were found with 135 bricks of heroin when detectives arrested them inside a vehicle driven by Grady on 28th Street in Paterson. He explained that a brick of heroin consists of about 50 single-dose glassines in a bundle. Police also found several methamphetamine on Grady, Porrino said.

Police then executed search warrants for Marino Pimentel-Tejada’s residence in the 1100 block of East 24th Street in Paterson as well as his vehicle, said the attorney general. He said the other five defendants were in Marino’s residence when State Police executed the warrant.

Inside, detectives "discovered a heroin milling operation, including a table overflowing with glassines containing heroin, as well as numerous boxes containing empty glassines," Porrino said. "The State Police seized approximately 79 grams of raw heroin, 3,791 glassines of heroin, grinders, sifters, a digital scale, empty glassines, and other packaging materials from the residence."

Marino’s car was found to contain more than $20,000 in cash, a handgun and a shotgun inside a concealed hydraulic compartment, according to Porrino. He said detectives seized more than 300 grams of heroin and more than $55,000 in cash in the bust.

“When we take down a heroin mill such as the one dismantled in this case, we know we have struck deeper into the supply pipeline and have arrested large-scale suppliers,” said Porrino in his statement. “Heroin is a scourge that is claiming far too many lives in New Jersey, and we will aggressively prosecute anyone who profits by selling this agent of death and misery into our communities.”

Division of Criminal Justice Director Elie Honig said Paterson is "a major hub for heroin distribution, with many drug users and suppliers coming from across the northern suburbs of New Jersey to obtain heroin in the city.” He vowed that the division will “continue to work with the New Jersey State Police and other law enforcement partners to disrupt this deadly commerce.”

State Police Superintendent Col. Rick Fuentes pointed out that heroin in cities is commonly at the root of violence. “All too often, these mills are not only responsible for manufacturing the poison that is heroin, but they are responsible for the violence that goes hand-in hand with drug trafficking,” he said. “We will continue to shut these mills down, arrest those responsible, and work with our partners to ensure successful prosecution.”

Porrino said Marino Pimental-Tejada was also charged with second-degree possession of a weapon in the course of committing a drug offense, second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun and third-degree unlawful possession of a shotgun. "In addition, he and each of the other defendants face third-degree heroin possession charges, and all except Grady face a charge of third-degree money laundering," said the attorney general.

He said Deputy Attorney General Brandy Malfitano presented the case to the state grand jury for the Division of Criminal Justice Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau. Porrino praised the detectives of the New Jersey State Police Trafficking North Bureau for their investigation.

He said the first-degree heroin charges carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison, with a fine of up to $500,000 for the possession with intent charge and up to $750,000 for the production facility charge. Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000, while third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000, Porrino added.

The indictment was handed up to state Superior Court Judge Peter Warshaw in Mercer County. He assigned the case to Passaic County, where the defendants will be ordered to appear in court at a later date for arraignment, said Porrino.

PATERSON, NJ - More than 250 people braved the snow to raise funds for "Paterson Partners with Puerto Rico Support-A-School Fundraiser" Saturday at St. Gerard's Church. The night of food, music, and dancing raised more the $12,000 to support one of the many schools devastated when Hurricane Maria ravaged the island in September 2017.

Paterson, NJ- Eva’s Village continues to expand its offerings to Paterson residents through partnerships with The Ammon Foundation and Spencer Savings Bank. Established in 1982 to help feed hungry residents in the city the organization has grown to one that now combats poverty through a diverse set of programs that include the food kitchen, addiction treatment, housing shelters, and ...

PATERSON, NJ- Nearly 100 Paterson students and their families traveled to Wakanada on Monday, courtesy of Paterson City Council candidate, teacher, and local activist Zellie Thomas.

For those unfamiliar with the world of Marvel Comics, Wakanda is the fictional technologically advanced, yet isolated, African nation that gave birth to comic superhero Black Panther, and rise to the blockbuster ...

PATERSON, NJ- Growing up in the Bronx, the “proud” daughter of a bus driver and a railroad clerk, Tahesha Way learned early in life that in order to accomplish her goals she’d have to “work hard with integrity” and always “take pride” in where she came from.

PATERSON, NJ- Saying that his campaign focused on speaking with voters “individually and personally” instead of “manufacturing” signatures, Councilman Bill McKoy submitted 1522 petitions to the City Clerk’s office on Friday. “There are more coming in,” he said.

While McKoy is one of 13 candidates currently running for Mayor of Paterson, he is confident ...

It is very important for the citizens of Paterson to participate in local city-wide elections because elected officials can help determine the economic, educational and social well-being of entire communities. For example, two very important tasks of city council members include making laws and allocating money.

The tragedy of the Florida school shooting is devastating, leaving 17 killed and 15 injured. Our children can easily identify with what occurred yesterday. It will be the topic of conversation today in schools everywhere. School administrators are doing all they can to provide support and guidance. The shootings affect children, teachers, and school personnel. The school shooting ...